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Abstract: In the present work, we used a unique cortical/striatal/subventricular zone organotypic model in order to analyze the role of resident microglia in oxygen/glucose deprivation and to check the presence and modulation of several P2 receptors in the cortex. Immunofluorescence with the microglial marker OX42 and pharmacological experiments with indomethacin indicate that activation and recruitment of microglia after the insult is linked to cellular loss, mainly in the cortex. The confocal analysis with OX42 shows that, among the P2 receptors tested, P2X4, and P2X7 are expressed on microglia, while P2X1 and P2Y1-2-12, although present in the slices, did not co-localize, whereas P2X6 is not detected. The upregulation of P2X4 and P2X7 on microglia and the toxic effect that different P2 agonists exert on cortical slices during oxygen/glucose deprivation indicate that a purinergic mechanism is related to the microglia activity; the protective effect of the P2 antagonist TNP-ATP is also described. In order to better understand the relationship between P2 receptors and OGD-activated microglia, we induced oxygen/glucose deprivation in co-cultures of organotypic slices and N9 microglia cell line. The presence of the N9 (which expresses P2X4 and P2X7 protein) in the cultures increases the damage in the cortex by 40% and the use of P2 antagonist PPADS reduced the cell damage due to the N9 activation. Our results show that microglia recruitment after a metabolic impairment is associated with cellular loss and that P2X4 and P2X7, are involved in microglia activity. The neuroprotective action exerted by TNP-ATP and PPADS and the possible use of purinergic antagonist in the pharmacological treatment of oxygen/glucose deprivation is also addressed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neurogenesis plays a role in many physiological (memory formation) and pathological (stroke, depression) processes. However the mechanisms of postnatal stem cell proliferation and neurogenesis are still poorly understood. We characterized early neurogenesis in vitro in rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, neurogenesis by bromodeoxyuridine-double labeling with doublecortin or β-III tubulin. We showed for the first time that in addition to the dentate gyrus organotypic hippocampal slice cultures include a second neurogenic zone: the posterior periventricle, which is a part of the lateral ventricle wall. This structure lining the stratum oriens contained Nestin+ precursors. We could identify morphological and functional differences between dentate gyrus and posterior periventricle precursor populations. Our data demonstrate that basic fibroblast growth factor treatment induced a fast but short-lasting neurogenic response in the dentate gyrus while the posterior periventricle showed a more pronounced and long lasting neurogenic effect of basic fibroblast growth factor. Thus two neurogenic zones with different neurogenic properties were identified in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glucocorticoids, the adrenal steroids released during stress, compromise the ability of neurons to survive neurological injury. In contrast, estrogen protects neurons against such injuries. We designed three genetic interventions to manipulate the actions of glucocorticoids, which reduced their deleterious effects in both in vitro and in vivo rat models. The most effective of these interventions created a chimeric receptor combining the ligand-binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor and the DNA-binding domain of the estrogen receptor. Expression of this chimeric receptor reduced hippocampal lesion size after neurological damage by 63% and reversed the outcome of the stress response by rendering glucocorticoids protective rather than destructive. Our findings elucidate three principal steps in the neuronal stress-response pathway, all of which are amenable to therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoglycemia triggers autonomic and endocrine counter-regulatory responses to restore glucose homeostasis, a response that is impaired in patients with diabetes and its long-term complication hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF). We show that insulin-evoked hypoglycemia is severely aggravated in mice lacking the cation channel proteins TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPC5, and TRPC6, which cannot be explained by alterations in glucagon or glucocorticoid action. By using various TRPC compound knockout mouse lines, we pinpointed the failure in sympathetic counter-regulation to the lack of the TRPC5 channel subtype in adrenal chromaffin cells, which prevents proper adrenaline rise in blood plasma. Using electrophysiological analyses, we delineate a previously unknown signaling pathway in which stimulation of PAC1 or muscarinic receptors activates TRPC5 channels in a phospholipase-C-dependent manner to induce sustained adrenaline secretion as a crucial step in the sympathetic counter response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. By comparing metabolites in the plasma, we identified reduced taurine levels after hypoglycemia induction as a commonality in TRPC5-deficient mice and HAAF patients., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Activation of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), implicated in numerous diseases of the brain, can trigger diverse responses such as the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of neurotransmission, cell proliferation or cell death. However, despite the known species-specific differences in its pharmacological properties, to date, most functional studies on P2X7R responses have been analyzed in cells from rodents or immortalised cell lines. To assess the endogenous and functional expression of P2X7Rs in human astrocytes, we differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into GFAP and S100 β-expressing astrocytes. Immunostaining revealed prominent punctate P2X7R staining. P2X7R protein expression was also confirmed by Western blot. Importantly, stimulation with the potent non-selective P2X7R agonist 2',3'-O-(benzoyl-4-benzoyl)-adenosine 5'- triphosphate (BzATP) or endogenous agonist ATP induced robust calcium rises in hiPSC-derived astrocytes which were blocked by the selective P2X7R antagonists AFC-5128 or JNJ-47965567. Our findings provide evidence for the functional expression of P2X7Rs in hiPSC-derived astrocytes and support their in vitro utility in investigating the role of the P2X7R and drug screening in disorders of the central nervous system (CNS)., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background and Purpose: Refractory status epilepticus is a clinical emergency associated with high mortality and morbidity. Increasing evidence suggests neuroinflammation contributes to the development of drug-refractoriness during status epilepticus. Here, we have determined the contribution of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor, previously linked to inflammation and increased hyperexcitability, to drug-refractory status epilepticus and its therapeutic potential., Experimental Approach: Status epilepticus was induced via a unilateral microinjection of kainic acid into the amygdala in adult mice. Severity of status epilepticus was compared in animals with overexpressing or knock-out of the P2X7 receptor, after inflammatory priming by pre-injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and in mice treated with P2X7 receptor-targeting and anti-inflammatory drugs., Key Results: Mice overexpressing P2X7 receptors were unresponsive to several anticonvulsants (lorazepam, midazolam, phenytoin and carbamazepine) during status epilepticus. P2X7 receptor expression increased in microglia during status epilepticus, at times when responses to anticonvulsants were reduced. Overexpression of P2X7 receptors induced a pro-inflammatory phenotype in microglia during status epilepticus and the anti-inflammatory drug minocycline restored normal responses to anticonvulsants in mice overexpressing P2X7 receptors. Pretreatment of wild-type mice with LPS increased P2X7 receptor levels in the brain and reduced responsiveness to anticonvulsants during status epilepticus, which was overcome by either genetic deletion of P2X7 receptors or treatment with the P2X7 receptor antagonists, AFC-5128 or ITH15004., Conclusion and Implications: Our results demonstrate that P2X7 receptor-induced pro-inflammatory effects contribute to resistance to pharmacotherapy during status epilepticus. Therapies targeting P2X7 receptors could be novel adjunctive treatments for drug-refractory status epilepticus., (© 2021 The British Pharmacological Society.)

Control of Theileria equi , the primary cause of equine theileriosis, is largely reliant on acaracide use and chemosterilization with imidocarb dipropionate (ID). However, it is currently unknown if ID is effective against Theileria haneyi , the recently identified second causative agent of equine theileriosis, or if the drug maintains effectiveness against T. equi in the presence of T. haneyi co-infection. The purpose of this study was to address these questions using ID treatment of the following three groups of horses: (1) five T. haneyi infected horses; (2) three T. haneyi - T. equi infected horses; and (3) three T. equi - T. haneyi infected horses. Clearance was first evaluated using nPCR for each Theileria sp. on peripheral blood samples. ID failed to clear T. haneyi in all three groups of horses, and failed to clear T. equi in two of three horses in group two. For definitive confirmation of infection status, horses in groups two and three underwent splenectomy post-treatment. The T. equi -nPCR-positive horses in group two developed severe clinical signs and were euthanized. Remaining horses exhibited moderate signs consistent with T. haneyi . Our results demonstrate that ID therapy lacks efficacy against T. haneyi , and T. haneyi - T. equi co-infection may interfere with ID clearance of T. equi .

The functional role of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) inhibition in cancer-induced bone pain has been highly contradictory. Whereas knockout studies have suggested pro-nociceptive effects, pharmacological studies suggest anti-nociceptive or no effect. The discrepancy is likely linked to the highly polymorphic nature of the P2X7R and the related functional differences in different tissue and conditions. In this study we tested the analgesic potential of AFC5261, a selective P2X7R antagonist, in a rat model of cancer-induced bone pain to evaluate if the opposing pro- and anti-nociceptive effects could be a consequence of long vs. short term inhibition of the P2X7R. Following intratibial inoculation of MRMT-1 carcinoma cells, movement-evoked and background pain was assessed with the limb use and weight-bearing test, and the effect of acute and chronic AFC5261-treatement evaluated. Bone degradation and tumor progression was in addition evaluated with x-ray densitometry and bioluminescence, respectively. In an acute treatment regime, a single administration of 300 mg/kg AFC5261 had no effect on either weight-bearing or limb use deficits. In contrast, morphine significantly increased both the limb use and weight-bearing ratio. In a chronic treatment study, BID administration of 300 mg/kg AFC5261 exacerbated the pain-related behavior, demonstrated by an earlier onset of both limb use and weight-bearing deficits without affecting the overall bone degradation or tumor progression. In contrast, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg AFC5261 had no effect on the pain-related behavior. Overall, the data suggest that whereas acute P2X7R inhibition has no effect on the pain-related behavior, chronic inhibition exacerbate the cancer-induced bone pain., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

(-)-Englerin A (EA) is a natural product which has potent cytotoxic effects on renal cell carcinoma cells and other types of cancer cell but not non-cancer cells. Although selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells, adverse reaction in mice and rats has been suggested. EA is a remarkably potent activator of ion channels formed by Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 4 and 5 proteins (TRPC4 and TRPC5) and TRPC4 is essential for EA-mediated cancer cell cytotoxicity. Here we specifically investigated the relevance of TRPC4 and TRPC5 to the adverse reaction. Injection of EA (2 mg.kg -1 i.p.) adversely affected mice for about 1 hour, manifesting as a marked reduction in locomotor activity, after which they fully recovered. TRPC4 and TRPC5 single knockout mice were partially protected and double knockout mice fully protected. TRPC4/TRPC5 double knockout mice were also protected against intravenous injection of EA. Importance of TRPC4/TRPC5 channels was further suggested by pre-administration of Compound 31 (Pico145), a potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of TRPC4/TRPC5 channels which did not cause adverse reaction itself but prevented adverse reaction to EA. EA was detected in the plasma but not the brain and so peripheral mechanisms were implicated but not identified. The data confirm the existence of adverse reaction to EA in mice and suggest that it depends on a combination of TRPC4 and TRPC5 which therefore overlaps partially with TRPC4-dependent cancer cell cytotoxicity. The underlying nature of the observed adverse reaction to EA, as a consequence of TRPC4/TRPC5 channel activation, remains unclear and warrants further investigation., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Nil declared.

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ctr) accounts for >130 million human infections annually. Since chronic Ctr infections are extremely difficult to treat, there is an urgent need for more effective therapeutics. As an obligate intracellular bacterium, Ctr strictly depends on the functional contribution of the host cell. Here, we combined a human genome-wide RNA interference screen with metabolic profiling to obtain detailed understanding of changes in the infected cell and identify druggable pathways essential for Ctr growth. We demonstrate that Ctr shifts the host metabolism toward aerobic glycolysis, consistent with increased biomass requirement. We identify key regulator complexes of glucose and nucleotide metabolism that govern Ctr infection processes. Pharmacological targeting of inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), the rate-limiting enzyme in guanine nucleotide biosynthesis, efficiently inhibits Ctr growth both in vitro and in vivo. These results highlight the potency of genome-scale functional screening for the discovery of drug targets against bacterial infections., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: (-)-Englerin A (EA) is a potent cytotoxic agent against renal carcinoma cells. It achieves its effects by activation of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC)4/TRPC1 heteromeric channels. It is also an agonist at channels formed by the related protein, TRPC5. Here, we sought an EA analogue, which might enable a better understanding of these effects of EA., Experimental Approach: An EA analogue, A54, was synthesized by chemical elaboration of EA. The effects of EA and A54 on the activity of human TRPC4 or TRPC5 channels overexpressed on A498 and HEK 293 cells were investigated, firstly, by measuring intracellular Ca 2+ and, secondly, current using whole-cell patch clamp recordings., Key Results: A54 had weak or no agonist activity at endogenous TRPC4/TRPC1 channels in A498 cells or TRPC4 or TRPC5 homomeric channels overexpressed in HEK 293 cells. A54 strongly inhibited EA-mediated activation of TRPC4/TRPC1 or TRPC5 and weakly inhibited activation of TRPC4. Studies of TRPC5 showed that A54 shifted the EA concentration-response curve to the right without changing its slope, consistent with competitive antagonism. In contrast, Gd 3+ -activated TRPC5 or sphingosine-1-phosphate-activated TRPC4 channels were not inhibited but potentiated by A54. A54 did not activate TRPC3 channels or affect the activation of these channels by the agonist 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol., Conclusions and Implications: This study has revealed a new tool compound for EA and TRPC1/4/5 channel research, which could be useful for characterizing endogenous TRPC1/4/5 channels and understanding EA-binding sites and their physiological relevance., (© 2017 The British Pharmacological Society.)

The ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a non-selective cation channel which senses high extracellular ATP concentrations and has been suggested as a target for the treatment of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. The use of P2X7R antagonists may therefore be a viable approach for treating CNS pathologies, including epileptic disorders. Recent studies showed anticonvulsant potential of P2X7R antagonists in certain animal models. To extend this work, we tested three CNS-permeable P2X7R blocker (Brilliant Blue G, AFC-5128, JNJ-47965567) and a natural compound derivative (tanshinone IIA sulfonate) in four well-characterized animal seizure models. In the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test and the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure threshold test in mice, none of the four compounds demonstrated anticonvulsant effects when given alone. Notably, in combination with carbamazepine, both AFC-5128 and JNJ-47965567 increased the threshold in the maximal electroshock seizure test. In the PTZ-kindling model in rats, useful for testing antiepileptogenic activities, Brilliant Blue G and tanshinone exhibited a moderate retarding effect, whereas the potent P2X7R blocker AFC-5128 and JNJ-47965567 showed a significant and long-lasting delay in kindling development. In fully kindled rats, the investigated compounds revealed modest effects to reduce the mean seizure stage. Furthermore, AFC-5128- and JNJ-47965567-treated animals displayed strongly reduced Iba 1 and GFAP immunoreactivity in the hippocampal CA3 region. In summary, our results show that P2X7R antagonists possess no remarkable anticonvulsant effects in the used acute screening tests, but can attenuate chemically-induced kindling. Further studies would be of interest to support the concept that P2X7R signalling plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of epileptic disorders.

The bradykinin (BK) B(2) and B(1) receptors (B(2)R, B(1)R) belong to the rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and are involved in (patho)physiological processes such as blood pressure regulation or inflammation. They mediate the effects of the pro-inflammatory peptides bradykinin/kallidin and desArg(9)-BK/desArg(10)-kallidin, respectively. Whereas the B(2)R is constitutively expressed and gets internalized upon activation, the B(1)R is especially induced by inflammatory mediators and responds to stimulation with increased surface receptor numbers. Stimulation of both receptors activates phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Because inflammatory processes are characterized by heat (fever), we analyzed the effect of increased temperature (41°C vs. 37°C) on B(1)R and B(2)R signaling in HEK 293 and IMR 90 cells. Our results show that signaling of both receptors is temperature-sensitive, however to a different extent and with regard to the investigated pathways. Comparing PLCβ activity and Ca(2+)-regulated signals, a temperature-dependent increase was only observed for B(1)R but not for B(2)R activation, whereas MAPK activities were doubled at 41°C for both receptors. Taken together, our findings suggest that the observed temperature sensitivity of B(1)R-induced PLCβ activation is B(1)R-specific. In contrast, the enhanced stimulation of MAPK activity under hyperthermic conditions appears to be a common phenomenon for GPCRs.

Efforts to find new bradykinin B(1) receptor antagonists identified 2-aminobenzimidazole as a novel core. Subsequent transformation into five-membered diaminoheterocycle derivatives and their synthesis and SAR is described. This resulted in compounds with low nanomolar activity., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The synthesis and SAR of two series of bradykinin B(1) receptor antagonists is described. The benzamide moiety proved to be a suitable replacement for the aryl ester functionality of biaryl based antagonists. In addition, it was found that semicarbazides can effectively replace cyclopropyl amino acids. The compounds with the best overall profile were biaryl semicarbazides which display high antagonistic activity, low Caco-2 efflux and high oral bioavailability in the rat., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Hydroxy urea moieties are introduced as a new class of bradykinin B(1) receptor antagonists. First, the SAR of the lead compound was systematically explored. Subsequent optimization resulted in the identification of several biaryl-based hydroxyurea bradykinin B(1) receptor antagonists with low-nanomolar activity and very high oral bioavailability in the rat., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Microglial cells maintain the immunological integrity of the healthy brain and can exert protection from traumatic injury. During ischemic tissue damage such as stroke, peripheral immune cells acutely infiltrate the brain and may exacerbate neurodegeneration. Whether and how microglia can protect from this insult is unknown. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are a prominent immunologic infiltrate of ischemic lesions in vivo. Here, we show in organotypic brain slices that externally applied invading PMNs massively enhance ischemic neurotoxicity. This, however, is counteracted by additional application of microglia. Time-lapse imaging shows that microglia exert protection by rapid engulfment of apoptotic, but, strikingly, also viable, motile PMNs in cell culture and within brain slices. PMN engulfment is mediated by integrin- and lectin-based recognition. Interference with this process using RGDS peptides and N-acetyl-glucosamine blocks engulfment of PMNs and completely abrogates the neuroprotective function of microglia. Thus, engulfment of invading PMNs by microglia may represent an entirely new mechanism of CNS immune privilege.

In this work, we mainly used the organotypic model of rat hippocampus to demonstrate the protective role of the P2 receptor antagonist trinitrophenyl-adenosine-triphosphate (TNP-ATP) during oxygen/glucose deprivation. Among the P2X receptors that TNP-ATP specifically blocks, mainly P2X1 seems to be involved in the processes of cell damage after oxygen/glucose deprivation. P2X1 receptor is strongly and transiently up-regulated in 24 h after an ischemic insult on structures likely corresponding to mossy fibers and Schaffer collaterals of CA1-3 and dentate gyrus. Furthermore, P2X1 receptor is down-regulated by pharmacological treatment with TNP-ATP, which is also found neuroprotective against ischemic cell death. Morphological studies conducted through immunofluorescence and confocal analysis in primary organotypic, in dissociated cultures, and in adult rat in vivo demonstrated the neuronal colocalization of P2X1 protein with neurofilament light chain and neuronal nuclei immunoreactivity in myelinated and unmyelinated fibers of both granular and pyramidal neurons. In conclusion, with this work, we proved the neuronal distribution of P2X1 receptor in hippocampus, and we presented evidence for a potential disadvantageous role of its expression during the path of in vitro ischemia.

A number of studies have already established the role of the subventricular zone in sustaining adult neurogenesis in different brain regions and under different pathological conditions, but nothing is reported about the role of this germinal area in preserving cell viability. In this work, we developed an organotypic culture model of the forebrain structures that comprise the neocortex, striatum, subventricular zone, and corpus callosum. With this model, we investigated the role of the subventricular zone in modulating cell viability in the cortex after oxygen/glucose deprivation. Here we have demonstrated that soluble heat-labile factors released by the subventricular zone in the media can lead to protection specifically in the cortical area. No protection was observed when medium, conditioned with factors released during the insult was administered to the hippocampal slices. Moreover, the use of different modifications of the slice cultures showed that the removal of the subventricular zone increased the cellular damage induced by oxygen/glucose deprivation. Furthermore, by using pharmacological experiments to investigate the possible mechanisms that regulate this subventricular function, we found evidence of purinergic involvement. We postulate that extracellular ATP signaling in the subventricular zone exacerbates cortical damage induced by hypoxia/hypoglycemia. For the first time, we demonstrate in vitro that the germinal subventricular zone can release factors that can be protective after exposure to a metabolic stressor. These released factors are not yet characterized but we identified in the extracellular ATP a factor that may interfere with the protective role of the subventricular zone during metabolic cortical damage.

Increased neurogenesis in response to brain injury is considered a mechanism of regeneration after neuronal loss. Using organotypic hippocampal cultures (OHC), we investigated the interplay between neuronal damage (propidium iodide uptake), microglia activation (OX-42 immunohistochemistry), cell proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine incorporation), and neurogenesis (double labeling of bromodeoxyuridine with doublecortin or beta-III tubulin) after oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We observed that microglia activation and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA preceded neuronal loss and was followed by increased cell proliferation. Neurogenesis was inhibited 3 days after OGD in both neurogenic zones of the slice, the dentate gyrus and the posterior periventricle (pPV). After 6 days, neurogenesis was restored and significantly increased in the pPV. Indomethacin or minocycline reduced the OGD-induced damage, proliferation, and increase of microglia. Both agents did not interfere with OGD-induced pPV neurogenesis. Our study shows for the first time that neuroprotection against OGD-induced damage in OHC by anti-inflammatory treatment is associated with intact neurogenesis.

Many neurological insults are accompanied by a marked acute inflammatory reaction, involving the activation of microglia. Using a model of exogenous application of fluorescence-labeled BV2 microglia in pathophysiologically relevant concentrations onto organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, we investigated the specific effects of microglia on neuronal damage after ischemic injury. Neuronal cell death after oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was determined by propidium iodide incorporation and Nissl staining. Migration and interaction with neurons were analyzed by time resolved 3-D two-photon microscopy. We show that microglia protect against OGD-induced neuronal damage and engage in close physical cell-cell contact with neurons in the damaged brain area. Neuroprotection and migration of microglia were not seen with integrin regulator CD11a-deficient microglia or HL-60 granulocytes. The induction of migration and neuron-microglia interaction deep inside the slice was markedly increased under OGD conditions. Lipopolysaccharide-prestimulated microglia failed to provide neuroprotection after OGD. Pharmacological interference with microglia function resulted in a reduced neuroprotection. Microglia proved to be neuroprotective even when applied up to 4 h after OGD, thus defining a "protective time window." In acute injury such as trauma or stroke, appropriately activated microglia may primarily have a neuroprotective role. Anti-inflammatory treatment within the protective time window of microglia would therefore be counterintuitive.

Glucocorticoids (GCs), the adrenal steroid hormones released during stress, have well-known anti-inflammatory actions. Despite that, there is increasing evidence that GCs are not uniformly anti-inflammatory in the injured nervous system and, in fact, can be pro-inflammatory. The present report continues this theme. Primary hippocampal cultures were treated with GC concentrations approximating basal, acute (1 h) stress or chronic (24 h) stress conditions and were then exposed to the excitotoxin kainic acid (KA). KA induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, and chronic high dose GC exposure excacerbated this induction. In a second study, cultures were exposed to the physiological range of GC concentrations for 24 h prior to KA treatment. Low- to mid-range GC concentrations were anti-inflammatory, decreasing expression of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, while the highest GC doses either failed to be anti-inflammatory or even potentiated expression further. These findings add to the growing picture of these classically anti-inflammatory hormones potentially having pro-inflammatory effects in the injured CNS.

Electroneutral cation-chloride cotransporters are abundantly expressed in the brain and are involved in the regulation of the intracellular Cl(-) concentration and thus gamma-aminobutyric acid-dependent inhibition of neuronal excitability. As yet there is little evidence whether or not Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) or K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters are involved in neuronal hyperexcitability and death in cerebral ischemia. In this study, by measuring propidium iodide staining in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures from young rats and population spike recovery in acutely isolated hippocampal slices from adult rats after a hypoxic/hypoglycemic insult, we were able to assess if cation-chloride cotransport inhibitors reduce neuronal injury. The Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport inhibitor bumetanide in the range of 1-10 microM reduced neuronal damage in the slice cultures by 25%, but did not affect population spike recovery in acutely isolated slices. In contrast the K(+)-Cl(-) cotransport inhibitor [(dihydroindenyl)oxy] alkanoic acid (DIOA, 100 microM) significantly diminished the restitution of the population spikes from 33% before to 8% after hypoxia/hypoglycemia and increased the damage in the slice cultures by 60%. Consequently, our data suggest that the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter may contribute to neuronal injury and that the activity of the K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters is an intrinsic protective mechanism of neurons against ischemic damage.

Since postnatal and adult mammalian brains have been shown to retain an ability to generate neurons from endogenous stem cells throughout life, these cells could play a central role in regeneration after neuronal loss. Therefore, we studied cell proliferation, glio- and neurogenesis respectively after brain injury in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures using a focal trauma by transecting Schaffer collaterals in the cornu ammonis (CA) 2 region mechanically. After determination of cell death using propidium iodide, neuroregenerative processes were quantitatively analyzed by various immunohistochemical techniques at different time points post injury. As this endogenous insult-induced neurogenesis is rather inefficient, we investigated if it can be enhanced by application of exogenous growth factors. Exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) enhanced neurogenesis significantly in the dentate gyrus (DG) region. A neutralizing antibody against endogenous bFGF revealed a significant decrease of basal and trauma-induced proliferation. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies exhibited a downregulation of FGF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) transcription after the antibody treatment. In contrast, epidermal growth factor (EGF) increased proliferation, but not neurogenesis. A combination of bFGF and EGF displayed an EGF-like effect on proliferation and no effect on neurogenesis. These results demonstrate, that in our model bFGF but not EGF sustains neurogenesis, whereas together the two growth factors permit an increased proliferation but not neurogenesis in organic hippocampal slice cultures.

Neurogenesis plays a role in many physiological (memory formation) and pathological (stroke, depression) processes. However the mechanisms of postnatal stem cell proliferation and neurogenesis are still poorly understood. We characterized early neurogenesis in vitro in rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, neurogenesis by bromodeoxyuridine-double labeling with doublecortin or beta-III tubulin. We showed for the first time that in addition to the dentate gyrus organotypic hippocampal slice cultures include a second neurogenic zone: the posterior periventricle, which is a part of the lateral ventricle wall. This structure lining the stratum oriens contained Nestin+ precursors. We could identify morphological and functional differences between dentate gyrus and posterior periventricle precursor populations. Our data demonstrate that basic fibroblast growth factor treatment induced a fast but short-lasting neurogenic response in the dentate gyrus while the posterior periventricle showed a more pronounced and long lasting neurogenic effect of basic fibroblast growth factor. Thus two neurogenic zones with different neurogenic properties were identified in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures.

In the present work, we used a unique cortical/striatal/subventricular zone organotypic model in order to analyze the role of resident microglia in oxygen/glucose deprivation and to check the presence and modulation of several P2 receptors in the cortex. Immunofluorescence with the microglial marker OX42 and pharmacological experiments with indomethacin indicate that activation and recruitment of microglia after the insult is linked to cellular loss, mainly in the cortex. The confocal analysis with OX42 shows that, among the P2 receptors tested, P2X4, and P2X7 are expressed on microglia, while P2X1 and P2Y(1-2-12), although present in the slices, did not co-localize, whereas P2X6 is not detected. The upregulation of P2X4 and P2X7 on microglia and the toxic effect that different P2 agonists exert on cortical slices during oxygen/glucose deprivation indicate that a purinergic mechanism is related to the microglia activity; the protective effect of the P2 antagonist TNP-ATP is also described. In order to better understand the relationship between P2 receptors and OGD-activated microglia, we induced oxygen/glucose deprivation in co-cultures of organotypic slices and N9 microglia cell line. The presence of the N9 (which expresses P2X4 and P2X7 protein) in the cultures increases the damage in the cortex by 40% and the use of P2 antagonist PPADS reduced the cell damage due to the N9 activation. Our results show that microglia recruitment after a metabolic impairment is associated with cellular loss and that P2X4 and P2X7, are involved in microglia activity. The neuroprotective action exerted by TNP-ATP and PPADS and the possible use of purinergic antagonist in the pharmacological treatment of oxygen/glucose deprivation is also addressed.

Many neurological insults and neurodegenerative disorders are accompanied by an acute inflammatory reaction that can contribute to neuronal damage. This inflammation involves infiltration of bloodborne polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) into the injured brain area. The role of inflammation in brain injury, however, is controversial, because recent studies suggest that inflammation may actually be beneficial in the recovery from brain damage. Therefore, we investigated the effects of pathophysiologically relevant concentrations of PMNs in vitro on mixed hippocampal primary cultures. Rat PMNs and peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated by density centrifugation and cocultured with hippocampal cells for 24-72 h plus or minus an excitotoxic insult (50 microM kainic acid) or 6-h oxygen glucose deprivation. Cell death was analyzed by immunocytochemistry, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, and neuron-specific [2,2'-azino-bis(ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] assay. After 3 days of coculture in the absence of insult, PMNs caused massive neuron loss and dramatic morphological changes in glial cells (astrocyte detachment, aggregation). Furthermore PMNs exacerbated kainic acid- and oxygen glucose deprivation-induced neuron death by 20-30%. The cytotoxic effect of PMNs required heterocellular contact and were ameliorated by protease inhibitors. Lymphocytes, on the other hand, were not neurotoxic, but, instead, increased astrocyte proliferation. These findings suggest that PMN might represent a harmful part of inflammation after brain injury that can contribute to secondary damage.

The CNS can mount an inflammatory reaction to excitotoxic insults that contributes to the emerging brain damage. Therefore, anti-inflammatory drugs should be beneficial in neurological insults. In contrast, glucocorticoids (GCs), while known for their anti-inflammatory effects, can exacerbate neurotoxicity in the hippocampus after excitotoxic insults. We investigated the effect of GCs on the inflammatory response after a neurological insult. Intact control (INT; intact stress response GC profile), adrenalectomized/GC-supplemented (ADX; low basal GC profile) and GC-treated (COR; chronically high GC profile) rats were injected with kainic acid into the hippocampal CA3 region. Lesion size was determined 8-72 h later. The inflammatory response was characterized using immunohistochemistry, RNAse protection assay and ELISA. The INT and COR rats developed larger CA3 lesions than ADX rats. We found that GCs surprisingly caused an increase in relative numbers of inflammatory cells (granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages and microglia). Additionally, mRNA and protein (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1alpha, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were elevated in COR rats compared with INT and ADX rats. These data strongly question the traditional view of GCs being uniformly anti-inflammatory and could further explain how GCs worsen the outcome of neurological insults.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are well known for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties in the periphery and are therefore widely and successfully used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, or transplant rejection. This led to the assumption that GCs are uniformly anti-inflammatory in the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS). As a consequence, GCs are also used in the treatment of CNS inflammation. There is abundant evidence that an inflammatory reaction is mounted within the CNS following trauma, stroke, infection, and seizure, which can augment the brain damage. However an increasing number of studies indicate that the concept of GCs being universally immunosuppressive might be oversimplified. This article provides a review of the current literature, showing that under certain circumstances GCs might fail to have anti-inflammatory effects and sometimes even enhance inflammation.

Stiff-man syndrome (SMS) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system associated with autoantibodies to glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). We isolated five brain-reactive human monoclonal antibodies, with reactivity distinct from GAD, from peripheral blood of a patient newly diagnosed with SMS. Two antibodies reacted with both Purkinje cells and ependymal cells, and precipitated an 80-kDa protein from rat neuronal primary cultures, which was also recognized by 12% (3/25) of SMS sera and 13% (2/15) of SMS cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The corresponding antigen was identified as 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4 and may represent a possible novel target of autoimmunity in SMS.

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a human pathogen that causes chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. Epidemiological studies demonstrated that individuals who are blood group 0 positive or represent non-secretors of their blood group antigens are more likely to develop peptic ulcers. The Lewis(b) blood group antigen has been reported to mediate the attachment of H. pylori to human gastric mucosa. The aim of this study was to examine the interrelation between Le(a-b+) phenotype, blood group 0, H. pylori infection, and peptic ulcer occurrence., Patients and Methods: The study population consisted of 330 consecutive patients (185 men, 145 women) referred to endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract for various reasons. AB0(H) blood groups and Lewis(a,b) phenotype were carried out by standard haemagglutination assays. Antibodies (IgG) against H. pylori were determined by a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: 49 of the 330 patients (14.8 %) showed duodenal or gastric ulcers with a H. pylori seroprevalence of 87.8 %. The IgG immune response to H. pylori was not dependent on ABH blood group phenotype. There was also no significant association between the secretor status and the presence of H. pylori infection. Secretors, 35/238 (14.7 %), were no more likely to have gastroduodenal ulcer compared with non-secretors, 9/65 (13.8 %)., Conclusion: Our data show no association between secretor status or specific ABH blood group on the one hand, and H. pylori infection or occurrence of gastroduodenal ulcers on the other. Determination of ABH blood groups or secretor status is, therefore, not a useful tool to characterize the individual risk for gastroduodenal ulcer or to guide any diagnostic procedures.

Stiff-man syndrome (SMS) is a rare disorder of the central nervous system thought to result from an impairment of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission. Autoantibodies to the GABA-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), present in about 60% of SMS patients, have suggested an autoimmune pathogenesis of SMS. By using serum or cerebrospinal fluid from 25 SMS patients, we assessed the effect of GAD autoantibodies (GAD-A) on GAD enzymatic activity in vitro; 83% of GAD-A-positive SMS sera reduced GABA production in crude rat cerebellar extracts, whereas GAD-A- sera from SMS patients or healthy blood donors did not alter the enzyme activity. Inhibition of GABA synthesis by SMS sera was dose dependent and mediated by the purified IgG fraction of the sera. Human monoclonal GAD65-A and IgG purified from serum of GAD-A-positive patients with insulin-dependent diabetes or autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome did not affect GAD activity, suggesting that a specific epitope recognition of GAD-A mediates inhibition of GAD. The disease-specific detection of GAD-inhibitory antibodies is compatible with their functional involvement in the etiopathology of SMS; the relevance of such antibodies in vivo, however, remains to be determined.